Kinesiology is a branch of science that focuses on human movement and physical activity. It typically involves studying muscle structure and function; how muscles are used during different activities; how muscles interact with each other; how muscles influence coordination and balance; health conditions related to muscle strength; metabolic processes that occur during exercise; and other aspects of physical activity. This post explores the details of Best University For Kinesiology In Canada, best universities for kinesiology in the world, bachelor of kinesiology in canada, university of waterloo kinesiology and university of toronto kinesiology requirements.
You will also find related posts on which university has the best kinesiology program in Canada & what is the best kinesiology program in Canada on Collegelearners.
What is the Best Kinesiology Program in Canada
Kinesiology is the study of human movement and its relationship to health. It is a study that encompasses a wide range of practical applications, including sports medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and many others. The field of kinesiology is growing rapidly as more and more people become interested in the study of human movement and its relationship to health.
If you are looking for an excellent university to pursue your degree in kinesiology, it can be difficult to decide which one is best suited for you. There are many factors that should be considered when choosing a university: location, course offerings, cost (including financial aid), and career placement opportunities are just a few examples.
It is important that you find a university that meets all of your needs as well as any personal preferences you may have about where you would like to live or what type of courses they offer. Keep reading for more information about some great universities across Canada where you can earn your bachelor’s degree in kinesiology!
If you are passionate about sports, fitness, or recreation in general, this article will be useful for you as it introduces you to a specialized field called Kinesiology. One of the questions that might come to mind when you hear about this program for the first time is – What is Kinesiology? Kinesiology is a branch of science that studies human movement and muscle function. It addresses the bio-mechanical, physiological, and psychological dynamic principles and mechanisms of movement.
Kinesiology studies the mechanics of human movement and how they impact our health and wellbeing. During classes, students learn how to combine a holistic approach with Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Psychology principles to help increase or repair the physical mobility of patients.
Kinesiology degrees have been growing in popularity because they can be applied in numerous areas, such as Health (body & mind), Fitness, Sport, and Recreation.
Here are the 9 main objectives of Kinesiology:
- Relaxation
- Correcting the alignment and posture of the body
- Increasing joints mobility
- Increasing muscle strength
- Increasing muscular endurance
- Coordination, control, balance
- Exercise training
- Respiratory re-education
- Sensory re-education

kinesiology courses in canada for international students
Kinesiology graduates can specialise in:
- Exercise Science: Graduates become sports teachers, trainers, or coaches and teach people how to stay fit, do physical exercises, and practise sports.
- Kinesiology & Physical Therapy: Specialists help people maintain their physical and mental health through massage, reflexotherapy, therapeutic recovery, lymphatic drainage, and other techniques.
- Fitness & Nutrition: Professionals learn to stop allergies and combine supplements, vitamins, and sport to help patients maintain a healthy mind & body.
Best University For Kinesiology In Canada
We begin with Best University For Kinesiology In Canada, then best universities for kinesiology in the world, bachelor of kinesiology in canada, university of waterloo kinesiology and university of toronto kinesiology requirements.
1. University of Toronto
According to the 2018 QS Rankings for sport-related programs, the University of Toronto is ranked second in Canada and sixth in the world. However, the average-rated quality of papers that emanate from the university’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education mars the university’s chances from clinching the first or second spot in this article.
Nevertheless, the graduates of this school are doing exploits all over the world. If you value reputation and academic excellence, you can give the University of Toronto a trial.
2. Simon Fraser University
When it comes to courses like engineering, pharmacy, law, mathematics, among others, Simon Fraser might not be the most preferred school for many people. However, the SFU Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology is one of the university’s departments that have brought the university to the limelight.
According to the 2018 edition of the Shanghai Rankings, Simon Fraser University is rated sixth in Canada and 33rd in the world under the category of sport-related fields. Interestingly, more than 28% of the sport-related papers from the university are published in top journals, while 56% of those papers are co-authored with international authors.
3. University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is one of the schools that are making giant strides in sport-related fields. It has magnificent sports facilities. Unsurprisingly, the University of Waterloo was ranked 10th in Canada and listed among the best 100 universities in the world for sport-related programs, according to the 2018 QS Rankings.

Additionally, the 2018 Shanghai Rankings inferred that more than 20% of sport-related papers from the university were published in globally reputed journals, while 26.8% of those papers have one or more co-authors from other countries.
4. University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is located in the capital city of Canada – Ottawa. UOttawa’s proximity to companies, international institutions, etc. contributes significantly to its success and increases job opportunities for its graduates.
The School of Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa has tens of leading researchers and professors in their respective areas of specialization. The beautiful and fully kitted sports facilities at the university will leave you amazed.
It is, therefore, unsurprising that the 2018 Shanghai Rankings placed the university as the 10th best school in Canada and 45th in the world when it comes to sport-related fields.E
5. York University
According to the 2018 Shanghai Rankings, the School of Kinesiology and Health Science at York University is ranked 4th in Canada and 24th in the world for offering exceptional training and education in sport-related fields.
York University has one of the largest kinesiology course offerings in Canada, and it is not a newcomer in global rankings for different sport-related fields. The school offers more than 50 professionally focused practicum courses that allow you to practice what you have been taught in theories and then apply it to real-life situations. Such training include game strategy, event management, and injury assessment.
Apart from the degree certifications, the university also offers certificate programs in athletic therapy, fitness assessment and exercise counselling, and ageing.
6. University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is, undoubtedly, one of the best schools in the world, when it comes to sciences, engineering, computer sciences, and medicine. However, the tripartite coalition of the university’s Allan Mcgavin Sports Medical Centre, the School of Health and Exercise Science, and the School of Kinesiology has rigidly strengthened UBC sport-related courses.
The kinesiology course at the University of British Columbia is outstanding and excellent. The prominent QS Rankings, in 2018, ranked UBC’s kinesiology program as the best in Canada and fourth in the world. Besides, UBC occupied the second row and the 18th row in the 2018 Shanghai Rankings for the best sport-related schools in Canada and the world, respectively.
7. University of Calgary
Located at the beautiful city of Calgary in the western Canadian province of Alberta is the University of Calgary that stands tall among others in providing high-quality education, outstanding and remarkable research works, and exceptional professional development training to its students.

According to the 2018 Shanghai Rankings (ARWU) for sport-related subjects, the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary is ranked 1st both in Canada and in North America, while securing the 7th position globally. More than two-thirds of the publications from this faculty are respected globally. Additionally, 56.1% of the papers from the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary are published in top journals, and 60.9% of those papers have more than two or three co-authors from other countries.
8. McMaster University
The topnotch quality of education, research outputs, and academic excellence at McMaster University makes it one of the best universities in the world. Undoubtedly, the Hamilton-based University has carved an indelible mark for itself in fields such as health sciences, social science, science, and engineering.
However, the university has proved its excellence, once again, through its Department of Kinesiology that was ranked fifth in Canada and 32nd in the world for sport-related subjects, according to the 2018 Shanghai Rankings (ARWU).
Moreover, the 2018 QS Rankings ranked the department a bit better than its position on the 2018 Shanghai Ranking Table, as it placed the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University on the 21st seat globally.
9. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta, widely known as UofA, is a public research-focused university located in Edmonton, Alberta. Since its inception in 1908, it has not ceased in delivering quality education and raising world leaders.
Hardly will you flip through the first 100 rows of any ranking body without finding the University of Alberta. Its academic excellence, high-quality research works, and exceptional students support service can never be overemphasized.
However, the UofA Faculty of Kinesiology, Sports, and Recreation has made the university proud, once again, for clinching the third position among the Canadian Universities and seventh position in the world for its topnotch sport-related programs, according to the 2018 QS Rankings.
Moreover, it is worth noting that more than 25% of the papers that emanated from the faculty were published in top journals, while 42.8% of those papers have two or more co-authors from other countries.

best kinesiology programs in canada 2021
Course Description
As explained above, Kinesiology deals with the study of movements of human and non-human mechanism. Since this is dealt with the physical body movements, students get introduced to psychological, physiological, sociological and mechanical principles of human movements.
Kinesiology program teaches the students about the prominence of physical fitness, balanced diet programs and exercising procedures that are necessary for a human to stay healthy.
Also, they get hands-on experience in the field of study by internships and practicum sessions which involves them working with medical gears, articulated mannequins and other prototypes.
Canadian institutes provide the best education for international students. Kinesiology study in Canada is a mandatory thing to be obtained by a student in order to get a world-class education in the field.
Students learn to provide rehabilitation for athletic injuries. They receive athletic training information and skills that are required to oversee and take care of common movement injury. They study the fundamental concepts and mechanism that regulate prominent structural and functional properties of the human organ system.
Kinesiology students learn to compare the body movements of children and adults. They learn the impact of physical activities that affect the movement of the children.
There are different courses in Kinesiology to study in Canada. Read the Course details followed.
Courses
Canada provides different courses in Kinesiology for the education of international students. Kinesiology is available in all the levels of education. Different courses of kinesiology to study in Canada are;
- Diploma in Kinesiology – Health and Human Performance Specialisation
- Diploma in Kinesiology – Exercise Science Specialisation
- Certificate in Kinesiology (1-year course)
- Bachelors in Kinesiology
- Masters in Kinesiology
- PhD in Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Kinesiology programs are offered in almost all the top universities in Canada. It is an undoubted fact that doing a kinesiology masters in Canada makes the student more beneficial by gaining eligibility to become a Registered Kinesiologist.
Universities
There are top universities in Canada which provide Kinesiology courses for international students to study in Canada. The Universities include;
- University of Regina
- University of Waterloo
- University of Calgary
- University of Ottawa
- University of Victoria
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- Lakehead University
Overall top universities in Canada which are considered to be the best in the world are providing different courses for the higher education of international students. Study in Canada in its top universities to become a well-practised Kinesiologist.
Career Pathways
There are more career opportunities for the students who undergone Kinesiology study in Canada. A person with a Kinesiology background can work in the following designations;
- Certified Orthotist
- Athletic Trainer
- Certified Prosthetist
- Hand Therapist
- Dance/Movement Therapist
- Chiropractor
- Personal Trainer
- Strength and Conditioning Specialist
- Precaution Specialist
There are always more career pathways for all the fields for the students studying or studied in Canada. Kinesiology is not an exception.
Benefits
There are significant benefits for a student studying or studied Kinesiology in Canada. The long-term benefits of studying Kinesiology in Canada are as follows;
- Kinesiology is a designated profession in Canada unlike other countries
- World-class education Quality
- Optimised living cost and education cost
- High living standards
- Live in a multicultural society
- Best abroad life experience
- Easy PR gateways
It is presumable that there are long term advantages and more job opportunities for those who are studying in Canada. Get on to the registration process if you are willing to become a Kinesiologist.
Registration Process
There are more courses in Canada which are meant for the education of international students. Now, it is Kinesiology. Those who are planning to study abroad and become a kinesiologist, apply with CanApprove. We are here to help.
CanApprove is a 21-year-old company providing education and immigration services for abroad aspirants successfully, since 1998. Our team of experts help you with all the possible aspects of your abroad plan. Connect with us to know more about studying Kinesiology Courses in Canada.

best universities for kinesiology in the world
Next, we consider best universities for kinesiology in the world, bachelor of kinesiology in canada, university of waterloo kinesiology and university of toronto kinesiology requirements.
Top Kinesiology Schools in the World
1. California State University, Long Beach
- Kinesiology Program Link
- Degrees offered: Undergraduate, Master’s
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is one of the largest universities by enrollment among other universities in California. It hosts the largest publicly funded art school and offers degree programs with the lowest tuition and mandatory fees in the United States. At Cal State Long Beach, students will experience a global academic community that encourages and supports them to pursue their interests as the foundation of their future careers.
CSULB is one of the most comprehensive and top-ranked public research universities in the country and an excellent school for kinesiology in the world that offers a wide range of academic programs. Its degree programs for kinesiology are one of a kind which provides students to major in different options. Each program will deepen the understanding and train students for various career options, whether in physical education teaching or related disciplines in exercise science, fitness, and sports psychology and leadership.
Students will be exposed to many fieldwork, internships, and service-learning activities to enhance their communication skills. They may also choose their thesis or project track to obtain a MA or MS degree in Kinesiology at a more advanced level of study.
2. University of Florida
- Kinesiology Program Link
- Degrees offered: Undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D.
The University of Florida (UFL) is one of the three top-ranking universities in Florida and among the best kinesiology schools across the globe. It is widely known as one of the “R1: Doctoral Universities” and has the largest student enrollment among other universities in the state. The institution provides a high-quality education through its diverse academic and research programs. Its College of Health and Human Performance offers globally-renowned applied physiology and kinesiology degree programs for undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate students.
Getting a degree here will help students understand the immediate and lasting effects of pharmacology, aging, exercise, rehabilitation, and disease-related effects on motor performance and cardiovascular, muscle, and brain physiology.
A Bachelor’s in this field is an excellent pathway for students into a medical profession. Students can also pursue a master’s degree with concentrations in exercise physiology, biobehavioral science, and traditional human performance at a more advanced level. The school also offers a doctoral program in applied physiology and kinesiology.
3. University of Calgary
- Kinesiology Program Link
- Degrees offered: Undergraduates, Master’s, and Ph.D.
The University of Calgary (UCalgary) is top-leading Canadian research and higher educational institution. It produces economic-driven research that also addresses the most pressing challenges in our society today. As a global institution, it proudly hosts many research centers and state-of-the-art facilities that provide essential tools to give students the utmost research training and hands-on experiences in every area of discipline. Kinesiology programs at UCalgary are top-leading in Canada, in the whole of North America, and in the world. It is available for undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D. degree level studies with a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach.
Studying kinesiology at the institution will allow students to develop a solid foundation on the subject and help them build their interest areas related to the field for their future career goals. At a more advanced level, graduate students may work with experts in kinesiology to carry out research projects and make a good impact on whole perspectives of human movement, sport, health, and wellness.
4. University of British Columbia
- Kinesiology Program Link
- Degrees offered: Undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of Canada’s top-leading public research institutions. It hosts the country’s national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics and is home to one of the largest research libraries in Canada. The institution produces high-impact research that majorly contributes to the global scientific community. It also offers the highest quality of instruction across multiple fields of discipline.
UBC delivers an exceptional kinesiology curriculum across the globe and offers one of the best kinesiology degree and research training programs worldwide, placing 1st in Canada & North America and 2nd in the World according to the 2020 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
The undergraduate program offers courses that will tackle active health, biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, motor learning, psychology, and sociology. At the master’s and doctoral levels, students will be working on advanced study and research projects in biological, behavioral, socio-cultural, coaching science, and clinical kinesiology.

5. University of Ottawa
- Kinesiology Program Link
- Degrees offered: Undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D.
The University of Ottawa (UOttawa) is one of the top-ranked public research universities in Canada and is widely known as the largest English-French university in the World. The institution is also a leading kinesiology school in the world that offers degree programs and courses in human kinematics through multidisciplinary and integrated approaches. Students will gain broader knowledge, skills, and techniques to maintain and improve human movement, policies, and positive lifestyle behaviors. Graduate programs for human kinematics at UOttawa will expose students to an integrated and research-based study on sport, physical activity, and health to contribute to the field of kinematics and prepare them for a wide range of career options.
bachelor of kinesiology in canada
More details coming up on bachelor of kinesiology in canada, university of waterloo kinesiology and university of toronto kinesiology requirements.
EXERCISE SCIENCE PROGRAMS
American International College offers both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Exercise Science, designed to provide you with the skills you need to advance your career. Our applied curriculum places a strong emphasis on hands-on lab experiences, inter-professional collaborations, and internship experiences, all while providing a rigorous physiological foundation that will prepare you to succeed professionally in the workforce.*
BS Exercise Science
The Bachelor of Exercise Science Program offers students the opportunity to gain extensive knowledge while honing the necessary skills to excel in the sports medicine field and beyond.
As an undergraduate student in our program, you will:
- Apply physiological and biomechanical concepts related to movement, fitness, and health related issues
- Demonstrate knowledge of how the human body moves by relating the different structures/systems of the body to one another: musculoskeletal, nervous, and connective tissue
- Apply motor development theories to a developing adolescent with regards to skillful movement and physical activity
- Perform fitness-related tests independently
- Design and implement exercise programs for normal healthy individuals
- Evaluate and prescribe proper exercise prescriptions to special populations by using foundational concepts of exercise physiology and nationally recognized guidelines
- Demonstrate knowledge of injury prevention through therapeutic exercise techniques related to different athletic population
Connect with your personal AIC admissions counselor today and learn more about this program, the admissions process, financial aid, upcoming events and more.
university of waterloo kinesiology
Leaders in movement science
With the establishment of the world’s first department of kinesiology, the University of Waterloo was instrumental in defining the science of human movement and continues to lead the evolution of this exciting discipline.
Through understanding the cellular to societal implications of physical activity, nutrition and lifestyle, our research, academic programs and services aim to optimize health, prevent injury and illness, and extend the years of high quality life.
Help an Olympic hopeful recover from a torn ligament. Prevent workplace injuries by improving a company’s ergonomic standards. Give a child with cerebral palsy an enhanced quality of life. Learn to prevent and treat movement-related illness and injury – and if you opt for the co-op stream, you can get 20 months of paid career experience along the way.
In addition to traditional science courses in biomechanics, neuroscience, and physiology, you’ll have four kinesiology-related minors and dozens of campus-wide minors to choose from. You can also include courses to prepare you for professional health programs such as medicine and physiotherapy.
Whatever direction you choose, Waterloo equips you with the tools you need to get there.
Program highlights
- More than just lectures. Over half of your required courses include a lab component. You’ll gain the practical skills to understand movement problems that occur in sports, industry, rehabilitation, and fitness.
- Study anatomy in depth. Waterloo is one of Canada’s first non-medical schools to house a School of Anatomy — giving you the chance to study anatomy on real human cadavers right in your first year.
What will you learn?
First-year courses
You’ll take a mix of courses from the Faculty of Health and the Faculty of Science to give you the foundations for your upper-year classes.
After first year, about half of the classes you’ll take will be Kinesiology courses.
Customize your degree
At the end of first year, you can choose to start one of the minors available within the program, such as
- Ergonomics and Injury Prevention
- Human Nutrition
- Medical Physiology (a great choice if you’re thinking of medical school)
- Rehabilitation Sciences (a great choice for physiotherapy, chiropractic, or other rehabilitation professional programs)
You can also include one of the minors available to all Waterloo students. Popular choices include Psychology, Human Resources Management, French, and Management Studies.
Kinesiology admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Any 4U English (minimum final grade of 70%)
- Advanced Functions or Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70%)
- Any two of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (minimum final grade of 70%)
Admission averages: Regular: low 80s, Co-op: mid-80s

university of toronto kinesiology requirements
Program Information
Degree(s):
Bachelor of Kinesiology
Program(s):
Kinesiology and Physical Education (Specialist)
OUAC Admission Code:
TPK (Kinesiology)
Academic Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma
Six 4U/M courses, including:
- Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U) or Advanced Functions (MHF4U)
- English (ENG4U)
- Introduction to Kinesiology/Exercise Science is recommended
- One of: Biology (SBI4U)/Physics (SPH4U)/Chemistry (SCH4U)
- Supplemental Application Required
Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement. It’s a pretty broad field, and there are lots of different subfields that fall under that umbrella.
You can study how muscles interact with each other, how muscles influence coordination and balance, how muscles work during different activities, or how muscles are affected by health conditions.
You can also look at metabolic processes that occur during exercise and other aspects of physical activity. And you can study ergonomics (the study of human work environments) and biomechanics (the study of mechanical forces on living organisms).